What we’re doing now

We’re proud of the role we’ve played in helping more women survive ovarian cancer– but we want to do more. That’s why we’re funding ground-breaking research into the disease. Here are some examples of how our researchers are tackling ovarian cancer on all fronts.

In London, Professor Fran Balkwill is studying how healthy cells in ovarian tumours are turned ‘bad’ by cancer cells around them. Understanding how to turn these rogue cells back into ‘good’ ones could lead to new drugs and treatments for the disease.

Ovarian cancer is often not diagnosed until it has spread in the body, making it harder to treat successfully. Professor Ian Jacobs in Manchester is looking at new ways to screen for ovarian cancer and diagnose it earlier, which could save many lives.

At Queen Mary University in London, Dr. Michelle Lockley is investigating whether modified viruses can be used to help the immune system kill ovarian cancer cells. Her work could lead to new therapies for the disease, and help prevent it coming back after treatment.

And in Cambridge, Professor James Brenton is looking for ways to better match the right drugs to the right patients, which could improve the outlook for women with ovarian cancer.

How we’ve made a difference so far

Here are just a few examples of our achievements. We…

Discovered the drug carboplatin – the current ‘gold standard’ treatment for ovarian cancer.

Developed the Calvert formula, a way of calculating the correct dose of carboplatin each cancer patient needs to make sure they get the most benefit from it.

Helped identify mistakes in genes – including BRCA1 and BRCA2– that can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Proved that long-term use of the contraceptive pill can cut the chances of developing the disease.

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Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666) and the Isle of Man (1103). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: Angel Building, 407 St John Street, London EC1V 4AD.